LTUSD and LTCC dual enrollment gives high school students college credits

A collaboration between the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) and Lake Tahoe Community College District (LTCC) will soon make it possible for South Tahoe High School (STHS) students to graduate with an AA degree at the same time they get their diploma.

It all starts with an expansion to the three current dual enrollment classes this fall.

By taking these classes, STHS students receive both high school and college credit for successfully passing designated courses, at no cost, possibly saving families tens of thousands of dollars for two years of college.

Currently there are three classes at STHS that offer college credits: College and Career Choices, Attitudes and Aptitudes for College and Career Readiness, and Digital Media Arts. All freshman are required to take the first course and all sophomores the second one. As freshman, students create a ten-year plan for their lives that doesn't only focus on high school and college graduation, but on career choices. That plan will be looked at by the students over time as its a living document, one that can changed as goals are refined.

LTCC and LTUSD plan to start offering college credits for dental assistant, automotive technology, sports medicine, computer aided design (CAD) and culinary arts in the fall, with more on the horizon.

Dual enrollment in other locations (Shasta College and Western Nevada College for example) has lead to a higher graduation rate where the participants are more likely to both enroll in college, and graduate. Research has also shown a positive impact on low-income, first generation college students, and English-language learners when dual-enrolled. It has been shown to create a passion in students for doing something with their lives.

Other school districts are looking at what is being done in South Lake Tahoe said Bob Grant, LTUSD's Career Technical Education and Visual & Performing Arts Coordinator. He said they marvel at the partnership and how quickly decisions can be made between the two education centers.

During a joint board meeting Tuesday, LTUSD and LTCC officials discussed how the model of dual enrollment gives every student the opportunity to go to college and succeed.

LTCC applied for the California Innovation Grant, a "Promise Program" that would have covered enrollment costs for STHS seniors who enrolled in the college the fall after graduation. They didn't get that grant but are looking for other ways to fund the program according to LTCC Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco.

"It would be a great pipeline for our students," said DeFranco.

Currently, 25 percent of graduates from LTUSD enter LTCC that first fall, about 30 percent within a year of graduation and almost 40 percent within two years. The college is looking for incentives to get the students to LTCC sooner.

"We will keep looking for ways to fund 'Promise' and are looking for community partners," added DeFranco.